Senior Profile: Ryan Schultz

Ryan is from Dodge City, KS and is majoring in Psychology with minors in Organizational Communication and Chemistry. He plans to earn a Master's in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, and later work toward a PhD in Social Psychology. He'd like to teach at a university to make an impact on students, like his professors have done for him. 

Ryan has served in many roles on campus during his time at FHSU-- VIP Ambassador, Honors College Peer Mentor, Honors College Recruitment and Outreach Coordinator, and numerous committee positions. He has a knack for finding his way to the simplest solution to multi-layered issues. It is a welcome and valuable talent when doing the sometimes arduous work of a committee. He's been instrumental in guiding the Honors College in decisions that best serve our students. We're eternally grateful for his input and perspective.   

"I would not be here without the strong support of my friends and family, my wonderful professors, and of course, the wonderful members of the Honors College with a very special shout out to Kevin and Kathay. 😏"

Ryan, we thank you for your work and your friendship. It's been a joy to see you find your path. The HC will be a different place without you! But you're always a text away. ;) 

Senior Profile: Caden Frank

Caden is from Omaha, Nebraska and graduated last December with his degree in Leadership Studies. He is currently in the Higher Education Student Affairs Master's program at FHSU, and looks forward to a career in higher ed. 

Caden thanks his professors and his boss, Pat McGinnis, for supporting him in carving his own path in the world. 

He has found a love of coaching during his time as the assistant soccer coach for the Hays High soccer program. For those that know Caden, this is no surprise. He has a talent for making people feel welcome and energized. 

Caden was a common visitor in the Honors offices and assisted with many prospective student visits. He is an amazing advocate for the program and supporter of his fellow students, driving everyone to do their best. His talents for coaching, and his future career in higher education, are all a perfect match for his enthusiasm and friendly nature.  

We are very pleased to have him stick around FHSU for a little longer!

Senior Profile: Trevor Pfeifer

Trevor Pfeifer is from Hays and is earning his degree in Informatics, Digital Media, and Journalism, as well as a Leadership Studies Certificate. 

Trevor plays lead guitar in his band Company 11. If you haven't seen them at Hays events, you probably will! You know he's READY to get out and play some live events this summer!

Trevor was recently awarded 1st place in Entertainment Program in Undergrad TV for “Attic Sessions-Ryne Timken”, which you can see on YouTube. He was also recently nominated for the FHSU Torch Award. 

Trevor is a modest man full of music, great hair, and few words. So you know he means it when he says: "Thanks to mom and dad for everything."  

We'll be seeing you out there on the stage and on the road, Trevor! 

Senior Profile: Natalie Egan

Natalie is from Shawnee, KS and she will be receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Public Relations and Advertising Emphasis. She was a member of the track team as a freshman and now shares her knowledge and skills as assistant volleyball coach for Ellis High School. She will be starting her second season next fall. 

Natalie also provides private lessons to athletes and loves mentoring young volleyball players. She plans on committing more time to coaching once she graduates and wants to create a platform on social media to share knowledge of the sport with young players and showcase the athletes she works with. She hopes to be able combine her work in Digital Marketing and her passion for coaching into a career. 

Her nearest and dearest have been influential and supportive during her time as an undergrad. "My parents have been extremely supportive in all of my endeavors and I owe a lot of my success to them. My boyfriend Dylan has also been incredibly supportive and has helped me achieve so much." 

She is currently working at Global 3D Arts in Hays as their Digital Marketing Manager, and will start full-time there after graduation. Natalie plans to eventually move back to Kansas City to pursue a job in Public Relations and Advertising.

Nothing makes us feel quite the same kind of proud as when we see students able to combine their experience and hard work with their true passions; Natalie is doing just that! We wish you the best of luck, here and over in KC! We know you'll do a great job! 

Senior Profile: Samual Neff

Sam is from Salina, majoring in Accounting with a minor in Management Information Systems (MIS). He will be starting as a staff accountant in the fall at KCoe Isom in Salina. Sam was a nominee for the 2021 FHSU Torch Award. 

Sam calls his advisor, Misty Schartz, an "incredible supporter." They are both spreadsheet enthusiasts and "aggressive" planners! "Her expertise in helping me craft my schedules and understand what I needed to complete to graduate was unmatched. She also extended me an opportunity to work at the KSCPA Inspire Business Camp which allowed me to make a ton of professional connections. Every one of her classes also renewed my interest in the field of accounting."

Sam has committed himself to numerous positions on campus, including President of Fort Hays Honor Society & Success and Engagement Coordinator for the Honors College. He has served on multiple (maybe ALL) of the Honors College committees, always providing the best student perspective and guiding the outcomes that serve and enhance the Honors student experience. (He has also helped sort out many an Honor Society and Honors College mail mix up.) 

Sam embodies all of our mission pillars: academic excellence, leadership, engagement, and personal growth. He has been a resource for current and prospective students for all his time with us, and he has been invaluable for the Honors College staff, especially in uncertain times. Sam brings kindness, thoughtfulness, and a steady head to any situation and he will be very missed. (Sam also sometimes brings the most beautiful and delicious homemade pies...this was a hidden secret for far too long. He is full of talent and surprises.) We wish you all the success in the world, Sam! 

Senior Profile: Sierra Eichman

Sierra is from Hays, and is majoring in Biology (Health Professions) and minoring in Chemistry and Psychology. She has been accepted into the Doctorate of Occupational Therapy program at the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, KS. Her dream job would be working as an Occupational Therapist in a pediatric setting. 

Sierra has been involved all over campus during her time at FHSU. She has been a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha for 3 years, including serving as VP of Alumna and Heritage. She is a member of the Fort Hays Honor Society, from which she will graduate with EXTRA Honors; she was elected VP of Virtual Relations for the Fort Hays Honor Society and held this position for 3 years. She was also selected to attend the National Conference on Student Leadership in 2019. 

Sierra was also an FHSU VIP Ambassador, a member of the Tiger Team, Encounter, and the Biology Club. She has assisted in orientation events, HCI, and student retention efforts through her job in Student Affairs. She has enjoyed working alongside FHSU administrators that care so deeply about student success. 

This level of commitment and engagement is a big part of what makes Sierra such an amazing Honorable: "During my time at Fort Hays, I have enjoyed giving back to the community that has given me so much. I have immensely enjoyed being involved within the community through Celebration Community Church. Events such as Night to Shine, VBS, and Kids Camp have been so much fun to help with. I also was able to travel to Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic on mission trips through C3 and I’m so grateful for the cultural and spiritual experience they have provided me with. I am beyond blessed."

"I’d like to give a huge shout out to my family who has supported me through each and every step of my educational journey. I’m so thankful for Momma Sheila, Dad, Derek, and Andrew. In addition, my late grandmother encouraged me to pursue my dreams through education and I want to honor her as I reflect on my collegiate experience. I wish she was here to watch me graduate and begin working toward my doctorate.
I’d like to thank Kevin, Kathay, and the second family I have gained through the Honors College. I appreciate your hard-work and dedication. I’d also like to thank each and every educator I have had during my time at Fort Hays. Thank you for challenging me and inspiring me to be the best version of myself." 

Sierra makes it so easy to support her because she's always ready to jump in, do the work, and make a difference. Good luck to you Sierra--you're going to raise the bar in your field if those other OTs want to keep up with you!